“Make Your Move” to stop sexual violence

The Edmonton Police Service is launching “Make Your Move” today, an awareness campaign that urges the public to get involved and interrupt behaviours that may lead to sexual violence.

“Sexual assault is a serious crime the Edmonton Police Service continues to see in the city, and these incidents are often facilitated by alcohol,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Grimes with the Sexual Assault Section. “The ‘Make Your Move’ message encourages bar patrons to look out for each other by stopping comments and actions that promote sexual violence.”

So far in 2014, 374 sexual assaults have been reported to the EPS Sexual Assault Section, an increase from 355 reported in 2013 and 337 in 2012.

“Education and public awareness campaigns often encourage people to come forward and report incidents of sexual violence to the police,” comments Staff Sgt. Grimes. “We want to empower others to do the same.”

“Make Your Move” is aimed at bar patrons, both men and women, and the main messages are simple but head-turning: look out for each other, get your friends home safely and never feel like you owe anyone anything.

“We want to encourage patrons to drop the ‘it’s none of my business’ attitude and adopt a ‘that could be my family or friend’ approach, if they see someone who may need assistance. Intervention, when safe to do so, can prevent a potentially harmful situation,” says Staff Sgt. Grimes.

The campaign will run from Dec. 15, 2014 to Jan. 11, 2015, with print posters displayed in the public washrooms of approximately twenty bars across Edmonton. The campaign will also be featured on social media, through the EPS Facebook, Twitter and Flickr accounts.

The “Make Your Move” campaign originated in Montana as an effort from Missoula’s Intervention in Action Project, a group of community organizations dedicated to ending sexual violence.

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Suspect charged in connection with downtown shooting

The Edmonton Police Service has arrested a male suspect in connection with a downtown Edmonton shooting that occurred on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.

At approximately 12:10 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2014, Downtown Division officers responded to the area of 105 Avenue, west of 101 Street, after it was reported that a 32-year-old male had sustained a gunshot wound. The male was treated and transported to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in stable condition.

Video surveillance of the incident was reviewed, and investigations led Downtown Division and Tactical Section officers to the area of 102 Avenue and 101 Street. At approximately 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, a male suspect was taken into custody without incident. Upon arrest, officers recovered a concealed, loaded firearm on the suspect.

Ronald Alexander GIROUX-BELCOURT, 21, faces 28 charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, discharge firearm with intent to endanger life, possess offensive weapon dangerous to public and carry concealed weapon.

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Blue Santa delivering holiday cheer

Some special children on the ‘nice list’ will get a special delivery by Blue Santa in police cruisers this holiday season!

The Edmonton Police Service Blue Santa program is in its 19^th year. Uniformed police officers are volunteering their coffee breaks during their shifts to deliver gifts on behalf of Santa’s Anonymous to families in need.

“This volunteer effort is a great way for citizens to have a positive interaction with police,” says Det. Rob Gill who spearheaded the Blue Santa program almost two decades ago. “Uniformed police officers personally deliver about 400 gifts city-wide every year.”

The mission of Blue Santa has always been to see every child receive a gift during the holiday season.

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Police looking for witnesses in downtown shooting

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a reported shooting that occurred early this morning (Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014) in downtown Edmonton.

At approximately 12:10 a.m., Downtown Division officers were called by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to 105 Avenue, just west of 101 Street. It was reported that a 32-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound, and was treated and transported to hospital. The male remains in hospital in serious condition.

No arrests have been made and the incident is still under investigation. Motorists are asked to avoid the area, as 105 Avenue from 101 Street to 102 Street will be closed for the next several hours.

Anyone who has information about the shooting is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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Police seek public’s assistance in locating 23-year-old man

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public’s help in locating an Edmonton man who has not been heard from since October 29, 2014.

Miles Longpre, 23, was reported missing to the EPS after his family lost contact with him. Longpre was last seen Oct. 29, 2014, in the Edmonton area near 103 Street and 128 Ave.



LONGPRE is described as being a Caucasian male, 6’1, 174 pounds, with short brown hair and blue eyes.



There are no indications to suggest foul play, but anyone with information that may assist in locating Miles, is encouraged to call the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.



Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

Missing Person: Miles Longpre, 23

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Police asking for help in identifying suspect

The Edmonton Police Service is asking the public for assistance in identifying a suspect in a composite sketch.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 a 25-year-old female reported she was approached by a lone male at the Lakewood Transit Center at approximately 8:45 a.m. The male allegedly grabbed the female and demanded that she come with him. When the female began to scream for help, the male fled on foot.

“We’ve reached a point in the investigation where we are now asking public to identify the man in sketch,” says Staff Sgt. Marc Cochlin with Southeast Division. “Although this crime took place two months ago, someone may recognize the man in the composite sketch.”

The suspect is described as a South Asian or Middle Eastern male, 30 to 35 years of age, and is about 5’6” tall. He has a thin build, short black hair with some grey on the sides, brown eyes and was clean shaven. He was seen wearing a waist length grey jacket, dark blue pants, and black shoes.

Anyone with information that could help police is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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West Division death deemed a homicide

EPS Homicide Detectives and the Edmonton Medical Examiner have deemed the death of the 30-year-old man on Nov. 22 a homicide.

The Medical Examiner completed the autopsy this afternoon and determined that David John Labelle died of a gunshot wound.

Detectives continue to investigate. There is no further information for release at this time.

Anyone with information that could help police is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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